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Mt Barth

(3 routes)

Place info

Mt Barth

(3 routes)

Canyon Creek contains an attractive alpine region and first attracted the attention of climbers in 1935. The valley was described in glowing terms by Colin Todd in 1954.

... without question the finest in the Otago region for climbing course instruction for here all climbing conditions from rock peaks to crevassed snowfields and ice slopes are easily accessible from a comfortable base camp which can be reached in one day from Dunedin.

Canyon Creek contains an attractive alpine region and first attracted the attention of climbers in 1935. The valley was described in glowing terms by Colin Todd in 1954.

... without question the finest in the Otago region for climbing course instruction for here all climbing conditions from rock peaks to crevassed snowfields and ice slopes are easily accessible from a comfortable base camp which can be reached in one day from Dunedin.

Access to Canyon Creek is via a trail on the western side of the stream, which begins before the canyon at the junction with Little Canyon Creek. Climb through the bush to reach the south lip of the canyon, then gradually descend to the shingly clearing. Stay on the west side of the stream until the bluffs are reached and climb out high to the left, before turning right and sidling upstream to reach the bivvy rock.

Jim Crozier and Selwyn Grave led the first three attempts on the mountain, finally succeeding via the glacier route from the south.

A variant is via the upper section of the east ridge. From upper Canyon Creek, ascend a snow lead onto the skyline, and follow the east ridge to the summit. First ascent unknown.

Comments

Comments

Posted by steven.fortune on Tue, 2013-01-08 13:22

Canyon Creek has one of the nicest approaches to an alpine route I've experienced. There are 2 rock bivs, room for a dozen people, and well sheltered, can leave the tent at home. Climbed the East Ridge, then traversed the West Ridge to Heim. We found it a straightforward snow climb, easier than the 2+ grade given. There is a steep downclimb at a gap in the East ridge providing the only difficulty. Awesome views.